Think a Co-Op Would Work For You?
Contact Us!
If you're ready to start the conversation with MCDC about what you have in mind, fill out our intake form and we can get started!
Explore More!
Think you might be interested in starting a cooperative, but want more information before reaching out?
Explore our "We Can Co-Op That" page and our resources for more ideas, inspiration and resources, then hit that "Get Started" button and let us know you're interested.
Why MCDC?
Montana Cooperative Development Center is the statewide organization for cooperative development. We have been supporting co-op development for 25 years and have a dedicated staff of full-time cooperative specialists here to help you navigate the process. Cooperatives are a unique business model, and each state has their own laws and regulations. Make sure you're working with a team who understands Montana Cooperatives!
Services
MCDC is the state-recognized and supported Cooperative Development office for Montana. Our primary role is to assist in the formation of new cooperatives across the 56 Counties and Seven Tribal Reservations in Montana. For start-up cooperatives, our services have no to little fees associated.
For Montana cooperatives already in operation, we also offer more specialized services and in-depth consultations in our role as the administrators for the Montana Council of Cooperatives. These are paid services, as outlined in the second section below. If your cooperative is a member of our sister organization, the Montana Council of Cooperatives, you will receive discounted rates.
We are dedicated to helping you navigate the cooperative landscape with ease.
Contact us today to explore how MCDC can assist your cooperative venture.
*Our services do not include accounting or legal. We have advisors in both on contract.*
MCDC: Your Partner in Starting a Co-op
Cooperative Formation
Cooperative Formation
Cooperative Formation
Do you have an initial idea for a co-op?
Our team can guide start-up co-ops from the initial meeting, through incorporation and beyond.
This work includes facilitation, governance structure, strategy development, incorporation documents and more.
With more than 50 years of combined experience in cooperative and economic development, our team has the expertise, materials, and network to see your project come to fruition.
Planning
Cooperative Formation
Cooperative Formation
Cooperatives are a great business model, but they definitely take some specific planning. Make sure you are working with someone who knows both cooperatives and Montana laws and regulations around them.
We are trained and ready to support your cooperative planning.
Our team is here to support your feasibility and business planning. We have a strong network of additional technical assistance providers, to ensure expertise is available for any sector or industry.
Cooperative Implementation and Fund Development
Cooperative Implementation and Fund Development
Cooperative Implementation and Fund Development
Cooperatives have unique opportunities for capitalization.
Our team's dedicated personnel can walk you through your funding strategy, including grant, loan and membership funding.
Our support in fund development incorporates grant identification, application and administration services.
We have in-house experts who have helped communities, cooperatives and organizations obtain millions of dollars.
Our team is here to help you move your cooperative from planning to implementing.
Cooperative Board Development
Cooperative Implementation and Fund Development
Cooperative Implementation and Fund Development
As part of our process with new cooperatives, we offer a customized board training that will include strategic planning, leadership development, and policies and procedures.
We don't do cookie cutter approaches- because we have been with you throughout your formation journey, we can provide in-depth training to set your cooperative up for success.
Cooperatives are different than other organizational types- non-profit and mutually benefitted corporations are run differently, so their trainings are not the same.